SURELY IT MUST BE SPRING BY NOW

All right, I'll admit it, I am crap at keeping this updated. In some ways it's a good thing, because it means that I have so much going on in my life that I don't really find the time to sit down and type this.

So here we are, and it's February again, and it's that time of year when I start itching to go out into the garden and DO STUFF. The problem, of course, is that it is far too early.

I've still managed to poke around and find things to do.

In the autumn, I planted over 1000 bulbs here and there, and various snowdrops and crocuses are now blooming in their cheery way all over the garden. I keep remembering why I love gardens so much; it's because there is always something to look forward to.

There are days when you feel so depressed you don't want to get up in the morning. But when you tend a garden, there is something every day. Today I noticed tiny little green buds on a philadelphus getting ready to burst into life. If I rolled over and gave up on life, I wouldn't be here to see the tulips when they finally bloom. Various green leaves are poking up out of the soil--I can see the tulips, bluebells, hyacinth, puschkinia, muscari, ixia, and daffodils/narcissus of every shape and size.

Last year, I didn't know what the little red shoots were, but this year I know that they are the most beautiful peonies imaginable, and seeing those red shoots is just as exciting now that it's no longer a Garden Surprise.

I've cleaned out the greenhouse, and have things waiting to come to life in their little pots. I brought some plug plants home from work, so am well on my way to herbs, peppers, and tomatoes.

I have purchased FAR TOO MANY poppy seeds. It's not my fault that there are so many varieties, all of which make me happy.

It's funny how various plants have different effects. Roses and peonies are beautiful in one way. Some plants fill you with awe and wonder. Then there are plants like sunflowers, daisies, and poppies, which just make you happy. It's impossible not to feel cheery when looking at a daisy poking up through the grass.

Last year, I got several Oriental poppies, and one giant red poppy. I can't remember the exact name (I'll look it up at some point) but it's something like Papaver Giganteum or Hugerriffic or Maximus. I planted it next to the front door, and can't wait for it to bloom. The ones I saw in bloom had huge red flowers that were more than six inches across. Absolutely gorgeous.

I think I have also developed a tree peony problem. I suppose admitting to the problem is the first step. It does seem terribly unfair, though, that one can only fit so many plants in one's garden.